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Vice Mayor Lomeli outlines scholarship cycle, partnerships for discretionary funds
Summary
City staff told the council that Vice Mayor Lomeli will open a March scholarship cycle using discretionary funds, aiming to award five scholarships and to expand services in partnership with the Birth Workers of Color Collective; two slots from the prior allocation remain available.
A city presentation on Vice Mayor Lomeli's discretionary funds outlined plans to reopen a scholarship cycle in March and to expand the program's outreach and services.
The presenter (staff) said each council member receives an annual discretionary budget for public benefits and that Lomeli used her 2025 allocation for scholarships and a partnership with the Birth Workers of Color Collective. "In 2025, Vice Mayor Lomeli used her discretionary funding for scholarships and for a partnership with the Birth Workers of Color Collective," the presenter said, and added the city hopes to award five scholarships in 2026; two slots from the prior cycle remain available.
Council members asked how the city will promote the scholarships and whether eligibility can be broadened. The presenter said prior outreach included social media, the partner's newsletter and diaper-distribution events but acknowledged the pool is a "very small market" because many applicants are in late pregnancy; staff recommended expanding prenatal and postnatal service options and earlier outreach. Vice Mayor Lomeli recommended gathering participant testimonials while protecting sensitive information and pursuing partnerships with LAUSD and health providers to reach pregnant and parenting families.
The presenter committed to returning with a follow-up report and noted an assistant to the city manager will help market the scholarship. Council members requested regular updates on discretionary fund usage so colleagues can coordinate future proposals.
Next steps: staff will open the scholarship application in March, coordinate logistics with the Birth Workers of Color Collective, and return to the council with outreach and award details.
